Computer Science (Games Technology) (with foundation year) BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): I611 (full-time)
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Four years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
You'll develop the practical skills and knowledge in programming, maths and engineering that will get you off to a flying start when you move onto BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Technology) (with foundation year) in your second year.
The course builds on and shares many modules with our Computer Science degree. We then combine this with specialised games technology modules to produce a distinct and unique course – perfect if you are interested in creative applications of computer technology.
The combination of a solid foundation in traditional computer science and games technology knowledge allows you to keep your options open regarding jobs and career paths. Our graduates are just as likely to move into well-paid careers with Investment banks or Motorsports companies as they are to join the ranks of a AAA games Studio.
Join us, and you will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge needed to design and implement various computer systems. You’ll mainly be software engineering using C++. You will also learn to program using Python, Java and C#, providing you with a fantastic portfolio of development skills demanded by employers today. You will be introduced to the techniques behind the production of 3D game assets and develop your games using Unreal Engine 5, Unity and the Android SDK. You will take these skills to the next level by developing serious and educational games for real-world clients and creating immersive experiences for VR headsets like the Quest2, Pico3 and Vive Pro Eye.
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We focus on the Industrial and medical applications of game technologies; our student work can be groundbreaking and innovative and consistently attracts industry attention. -
You will have access to superior facilities, equipment and software, including our Vicon Motion Capture Suite, our green screen and our VR-equipped Human Interaction Technology Lab.
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100% of our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Technology) (SW) students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
What you’ll study
We assume no prior knowledge of computer programming and accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. We will provide all the help and support you need to develop and succeed as a coder. Beginning with Python but moving rapidly to C++ will equip you with the technical skills required to engage with the specialised games tech modules which will follow in subsequent years.
During the second year, you will write code that integrates with networks and operating systems; you will complete modules focused on game programming and 3D asset creation and will be guided through advanced maths and graphical programming techniques. You will also work as part of a team to develop a major project, often by applying game technology to the design of solutions to real-world problems. Many students integrate these projects with competitions or networking events like Global Game Jam or the Microsoft Imagine cup.
In your final year, around one-third of your time will be spent working on your major project; this is a great opportunity to focus and specialise in a chosen area of interest with recent projects as diverse as advanced visual FX techniques, EEG mind control of games and games for rehabilitation and therapy. You can also study modules on virtual reality, Mobile app development, physics simulation, serious games and artificial intelligence, including the Microsoft Certified Azure AI fundamentals course available to all our students.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals course
If you take the Artificial Intelligence module in your final year, you will participate in the Microsoft-certified Azure AI Fundamentals program as part of your studies. The program is designed as a blended learning experience, combining instructor-led training with online materials accessed on the Microsoft Learn platform.
Microsoft will sponsor your cloud subscription, course materials and certification test fees for no cost. When you graduate, you will also get the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certificate – a valuable addition to your CV.
Find out more about the Azure AI Fundamentals course.
About the Computer Science Team
We have a rich mix of knowledge ranging from software development for different types of system through to hardware aspects such as networking. This involves many uses of computing and considers all aspects including security and management. Our knowledge is built up and maintained through our wealth of industrial experience, our industrial links and our research activity. These are the ingredients for ensuring the relevance and vitality of your course.
Our highly regarded academics are active in a broad range of research areas, particularly in the areas of Games for Learning and in Security. For example, Professor David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, in games and assistive technology while Professor Paul Evans' innovative developments in security are supported by USA Dept of Homeland Security.
We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Other examples of our activity are:
- developing patents e.g. in voice signal processing
- organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
- working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
- publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, detection of human behaviour patterns.
Introductory Mathematics (20 credit points)
This module provides an introduction to important mathematical ideas, including Algebraic rearrangement, Trigonometry, Vectors, Descriptive Statistics, Integration and Differentiation. You’ll gain an understanding of ideas that form the basis of later, more specialised, developments and you’ll be able to solve simple but realistic mathematical problems.
Computational Mathematics (20 cp)
A hands-on introduction to ideas and skills which cross Mathematics, Physics and Computing. Using software such as Excel and Matlab, you’ll learn about mathematical ideas like matrices and the consideration of how physical systems can be represented mathematically.
Introduction to Programming (20 cp)
Learn how to design, code, test and debug basic Python language programs. In the first part of this module, you’ll look at the basics of Python such as text strings, loops and functions. In the second part of the module, you’ll be introduced to maths-related Python libraries such as pandas, scipy.stats and matplotlib.
Foundation Engineering (20 cp)
This module includes basic electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering. Mechanics considers the consequences of applying forces to physical bodies; the electrical and electronics part of the module focuses on the scientific principles relevant to circuit theory, analogue electronics and components. Laboratory-based sessions will allow you to gain practical knowledge and experience.
Practical and Professional Skills (40 cp)
This module aims to provide a link between the theoretical modules in the course and their practical implementation. The professional skills aspect will help you with interpreting coursework requirements, exam and revision techniques, note-taking and referencing. The practical sessions will cover a variety of topics that require you to make use of the scientific principles and mathematical techniques that you’re learning in the other modules on the course.
Foundations of Computer Technology and Programming (20 cp)
This module has several strands, including programming and technical aspects, that introduce you to the fundamentals of writing computer programs, numeracy, and website development.
Essential Skills (20 cp)
Develop the skills required to succeed in your computing degree. You’ll learn how to confidently deal with numerical aspects of your course and practice your web publishing skills by creating and formatting basic web documentation.
Computer Science Programming (20 cp)
Learn about programming languages relevant to software with industrial scale, reliability and performance characteristics.
Computer Technology and Mathematics (20 cp)
Understand how a computer works, look at issues arising from the hardware architecture and extend your mathematical knowledge and ability.
Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) (20 cp)
Introducing you to the fundamental principles of SAD, this module gives you a working knowledge of key systems development methodologies, techniques and tools.
Professional Development for Industry (20 cp)
This module will enable you to learn about the professional bodies and standards relating to the computing profession and enhance your employability potential by increasing your awareness of the technological, social and economic factors driving the IT industry.
Applied Mathematics and Graphics (20 cp)
This module provides you with a range of mathematical skills necessary for the implementation of computer systems which interact with or model the physical world.
Games Programming (20 cp)
Introduces you to specific game development technologies. It builds on object-oriented development skills and key programming concepts in current gaming technology.
Practical Project Management and Professional Development (20 cp)
Continued professional development and lifelong learning are important to your future career. Through this module, you’ll improve your time and project management skills, presentations and report writing. This module also includes detailed guidance about developing your CV and provides the experience of selection assessments for industrial placement / graduate employment positions.
Software Design and Implementation (20 cp)
Equips you with the knowledge and skills in software development techniques to support the development of robust, secure, maintainable and portable software systems.
Systems Software (20 cp)
Learn about operating systems theory, network solutions, design and implementation and how computer systems can be connected to form large, complex distributed systems.
Digital 3D (20 cp)
Design and develop 3D environments and characters for computer game systems.
Core modules
Project (40 cp)
Investigate problems in computing, implement solutions, critically evaluate and reflect on your work, and develop your abilities to communicate, self-organise and manage.
Graphics for Games and Dynamic Modelling (20 cp)
Learn the fundamental principles of advanced 3D rendering and physical simulation and appreciate “fitness for purpose” and the full implications of hardware choices.
Virtual Reality (20 cp)
You will develop your knowledge of virtual reality technology and be presented with past and current research into fields such as VR training and simulation, architectural visualisation, disability access and 3D recording of ancient monuments and artefacts.
Mobile Platform Applications (20 cp)
Development Understand the requirements, capabilities and constraints of various mobile platform technologies and consider how they can be used to build systems outside the traditional desktop paradigm.
Optional modules
Choose one of the following modules:
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 cp)
Learn about the theoretical foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the main methods and techniques and current areas of AI research and development.
Serious Games (20 cp)
Examine the use of computers for teaching, focusing mainly on virtual reality and multimedia systems in developing and applying games for learning.
Advanced Software Engineering (20 cp)
Develop techniques and strategies to analyse, choose, propose, design, implement, test and evaluate software elements.
Information Security (20 cp)
Apply the skills learnt in this module to conduct an appropriate risk analysis and generate information assurance plans for a given context.
Communicating Science and Technology (20 cp)
An opportunity for you to gain valuable transferable skills working as a ‘student-tutor’ with teachers in local schools or to work on a community-based project.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you’re taught
Contact time
Scheduled contact time in lectures and seminars is around 12 hours per week and these will be held on Clifton Campus. Lectures are spread across various buildings on campus, including:
- ISTeC Building
- Teaching and Learning Building
- Erasmus Darwin Building
You will be assessed on a variety components including:
- coursework and practical (assignments, dissertation, group projects, oral presentations, reports)
- written (exams)
Careers and employability
Your career development
This course provides a thorough education in computing for industry, meaning you graduate with advanced software development skills and can design and manage complex information systems.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- Orange
- Rockstar Games
- Outso Ltd
- Sharp Gaming
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Jigsaw Systems
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles, including:
- Games Tester
- Apple Systems Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Graduate Game Development and Programmer
- Technology Graduate Scheme
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their businesses.
Campus and facilities
The School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment which equips students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd.
We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. Students have access to specialist centres, including:
- Virtual Reality Lab equipped with VIVE Pro and Oculus Quest 2 headsets available for a home loan
- Networking and security laboratories
- Vicon Motion Capture studio
- Robotics lab
Students also enjoy working with the latest software/hardware, including:
- Unreal Engine 5
- Unity
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop)
- Autodesk 3DS MAX
- Home licences for the duration of your course for all Autodesk software (Max, Maya, Mudbox, MotionBuilder etc.)
Entry requirements
- We accept UCAS Tariff points from up to three qualifications
- GCSE – Maths grade B/6
- GCSE – English grade C/4
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Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
This course is not open to International applicants who require a Student Visa. For alternative courses please see Nottingham Trent International College.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
What's included in the course fees?
Your course fees cover all the facilities and support you need to succeed. This includes the following:
- You will have access to extensive computing facilities, some available 24 hours a day and including technician support.
- You will have dedicated online storage to support the backup of work.
- You will have access to Microsoft Academic Alliance membership, which gives you free copies of all Microsoft developer software, including operating systems, Visio and Project.
- As one of our students, you can join the Oracle Academic Initiative as an individual member and get free database software.
- Students can register for a free personal copy of 3D Studio Max.
- Extensive equipment is available to loan for coursework and project work. For example, you can borrow cameras and phones.
- We offer extensive free training software, including tutorials on 3D Studio Max, Flash, Photoshop, TCP/IP Packet analysis, Java, Javascript, HTML5, and Oracle.
- Most major software is available across the campus machines, including Adobe Master Collection Suite.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students purchase. Book costs vary, and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for buy from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to participate in optional field trips, which incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students earn a salary whilst on placement, which can help cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance, please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs of approximately £20 - £50.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, contact our Student Financial Support Service by telephone at +44 (0)115 848 2494.
This course is not open to International applicants who require a Student Visa. For alternative courses please see Nottingham Trent International College.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the application instructions. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only decide based on what you tell us. So include your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After applying, we’ll send you important emails throughout the application process, so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
This course is not open to International applicants who require a Student Visa. For alternative courses please see Nottingham Trent International College.